TXICFW believes we should strive to provide all youth trauma-informed, comprehensive sexual health information that teaches them that they have value no matter what they have experienced in life. Current federally-funded evidence-based programs that have been adapted for disconnected youth need to be more trauma-informed, inclusive and accessible to highly transient populations such as youth in foster care, homeless or in the juvenile justice system. We also believe professionals who work with youth around sexual health best serve youth when they are supported, well-trained, practice self-care, and are connected to resources in our community. TXICFW is dedicated to working towards better adolescent sexual health interventions and further supporting the professionals in this field. Check out our most current work related to adolescent health:
Project Overview: The Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI) builds relationships across child welfare and adolescent health systems to promote optimal health for child welfare-involved youth. In partnership with the Texas Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy and the Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services, the Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative will establish, fund, coordinate,… Read more »
About the study Foster youth tend to interact with many people, but they have few genuine connections. Older youth are most likely to experience placement instability that impacts their ability to develop and maintain close relationships with family, caregivers, peers, and dating partners. Rules in foster care often prohibit romantic relationships, yet foster youth have… Read more »
March 4th, 2021 We are excited to share the 6-month progress report for the Texas Foster Youth Health Initiative (TFYHI)! As the first statewide learning community of its kind in Texas, this Initiative is meant to build relationships across child welfare and adolescent health systems to promote optimal health for child welfare-involved youth. Our goal… Read more »
Youth who have experienced adversity have higher rates of adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections compared to youth in general. Those in out-of-home care may miss sexual health education in schools and often have not had reliable caregivers to provide them with accurate sexual health information. Compounding the issue, many of these youth have experienced… Read more »